Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Massachusetts

Edward Augustus named Housing Secretary

Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll announced that they have named former Worcester City Manager Edward (Ed) M. Augustus to serve as the state's first Housing Secretary in more than 30 years.

AG issues Enforcement Advisory to Communities on MBTA Zoning Mandate

Responding to the pushback by some cities and towns to the MBTA Community multi-family zoning mandate in the Zoning Act, Attorney General Andrea Campbell recently issued an Enforcement Advisory to assist municipal officials and residents in understanding the requirements of the law.

HBRAMA submits comments on Draft Regulations for Fossil Fuel Ban

The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) recently closed the comment period on draft regulations for the 10-Community Fossil Fuel Demonstration Project that will allow certain communities to ban all new future fossil fuel infrastructure.

Municipalities begin adoption of Specialized Stretch Energy Code

Having become effective on December 28, 2022, several communities have moved quickly to adopt the Municipal Opt-in Specialized Stretch Energy Code promulgated by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) pursuant to the climate bill enacted by the Legislature in 2021.

Appeals of Comprehensive Permits May Be Subject to Bond

On December 14, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in the case of Terrance Marengi, Jr., & others v. 6 Forest Road, LLC & another, SJC-13316, ruled in favor of the application of the bond provision included in the Housing Choice Law to appeals of comprehensive permits.

Starter Home Zoning Becomes Law

The efforts of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts to create a new Chapter 40Y of the General Laws – the Starter Home Zoning District Act – came to fruition last month when Gov. Baker signed an economic development bill into law that the Legislature finally approved after months of negotiation.